Title: Caitlin Clark’s Decision to Declare for WNBA Draft: Embracing the Last Moments with Hawkeyes Teammates
Iowa basketball sensation Caitlin Clark, who is on the brink of making history as college basketball’s all-time leading scorer, has announced her decision to join the 2024 WNBA Draft and leave the University of Iowa. This bold move comes with a significant emotional weight, allowing Clark to fully savor her last games with her cherished Hawkeyes teammates.
The Importance of Clarity: “Getting the weight off my shoulders”
Clark’s decision to publicly declare her intentions came with great importance, not only for herself but also for her teammates, fans, and the Hawkeyes community. Speaking about the significance of this announcement, Clark stated, “I think just going into senior night, having that decision clear, not only for myself, but for our fans, my teammates, I think that was super important.”
The 22-year-old guard added, “And honestly just getting the weight of the world off my shoulders and being able to enjoy this last month with my teammates, I think is the biggest thing, and I kind of knew in my heart.”
A Legacy in the Making: Breaking Records and Paving the Way
Clark’s name has been etched into college basketball history books as she prepares to break the NCAA’s all-time scoring record with 3,650 points, just 18 points shy of surpassing Pete Maravich. This impressive feat has been a common occurrence for Clark this season as she breaks records left and right.
On Wednesday, she surpassed Lynette Woodward’s record of 3,520 points, which marked the most points scored in major women’s college basketball history. Earlier this season, Clark passed Kelsey Plum to claim the title of the NCAA women’s basketball all-time leading scorer. Her latest accomplishment encompasses the time before and after the NCAA’s sponsorship of women’s sports.
The Anticipation of New Beginnings: Balancing National Title Pursuits and Future Ambitions
Clark acknowledged her anticipation for starting a new chapter in her career, but she also emphasized the importance of focusing on the present. She shared, “I’m looking forward to starting a new chapter, but I won’t lose sight of our team’s primary goal, which is to finish this season with a national title.”
Emotional Senior Day: Cherishing the Bitter-Sweet Moments Ahead
Clark acknowledged that Sunday’s “Senior Day” would be an emotional affair, especially since her team is set to face the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes. She expressed, “It’s bittersweet. But my main goal is beating Ohio State. I think we’re all just super excited for another opportunity at them.”
